inquisitiveness

American  

[in-kwiz-i-tiv-nis] / ɪnˈkwɪz ɪ tɪv nɪs /

noun

1. the quality of being given to asking questions; intellectual curiosity or eagerness for knowledge.

   Younger students often have an amazing sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness that naturally leads them into exploring and learning.

2. the quality of being excessively or inappropriately curious about other people’s affairs; nosiness.

   My landlord's inquisitiveness made me determined to seek more desirable accommodations elsewhere.

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Other Word Forms

• superinquisitiveness
  noun
• uninquisitiveness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of inquisitiveness

inquisitive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

Of course she winds up paying for her inquisitiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

But she voices this with an inquisitiveness instead of sorrow.

From Salon • Aug. 3, 2025

That task could be painful, but Bogle, now 79, had the empathy, even keel and inquisitiveness to pull it off.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2024

The BTP's review found that while no act or omission in the investigation was made maliciously, there was a "lack of professional inquisitiveness exacerbated by dilatory and lazy practices".

From BBC • Aug. 10, 2023

Mr. Loring had a vulnerable, rubicund face with eyebrows arched into constant and natural inquisitiveness.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy